Screening of Enter les Murs: The Class

2008

Cert15

Documentary

2 hrs 8 minutes

Starring : François Bégaudeu, Arthur Fogel, Esmeralda Ouertani, Rachel Regulier

The film is based on an autobiographical novel by the author and former teacher François Bégaudeu who also plays the role of the teacher in the film. It follows the experience of the teacher in a tough multi-ethnic school in the Parisian banlieux. It won a Palme d’or in 2008.The film is a good counterpoint to “Être et Avoir” which we showed in our previous season. The film uses mainly non- professional actors to play the pupils and this and the use of improvisation to create dialogue makes the classroom scenes unobtrusively authentic and lively.

The film focuses on the teacher’s experience with a group of fourteen- and fifteen-year-old pupils in a French language and Literature class, the equivalent of pupils in England in their first year of studying for GCSEs and in particular, the interaction between the teacher and Esmerelda and Khoumbe , two outspoken and challenging young women, and Souleymane a troubled young man.

This type of story could easily become cliched and predictable, but it moves along slowly and quietly without over dramatising events or stereotyping the teacher or pupils. Nevertheless, it still manages to present the unwavering idealism of the teacher and the humanity, humour and resilience of the pupils.

Film starts at 7pm. No adverts and no trailers.

Refreshments will be available free of charge in the foyer prior to the screening. Please bring your own cup/mug to reduce waste.

Alliance Française members wishing to take advantage of the two tickets for the price of one offer should purchase one ticket through Eventbrite and phone 07742 982632 to reserve the free ticket.

A limited number of tickets will also be available on the door - £5 cash only.

Book with confidence. Screenings will be in line with all current Covid measures.

Refunds (less the booking fee) are available until midday on the date of screening should you wish to cancel for any reason. In the event the organisers have to cancel, refunds will be given to all in full.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Oldham Library, Greaves Street, Oldham, United Kingdom